A high-powered delegation of Kano business leaders and senior government officials met on Thursday with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to demand the immediate release of the ₦5 billion relief fund promised by the Federal Government for victims of the Singer Market fire.

The delegation reminded the SGF of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier commitment to support thousands of traders whose shops, goods, and livelihoods were destroyed by the inferno that gutted parts of the market.

They stressed that the prompt release of the intervention fund was critical to easing the hardship faced by affected traders and to fast-tracking the recovery of commercial activities at one of Northern Nigeria’s busiest markets.

Speaking during the meeting, the delegation expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the intervention but appealed for the completion of all bureaucratic processes to enable beneficiaries to access the support without further delay.

“We appreciate Mr. President for remembering our people. But five months after the promise, many traders are still unable to restock. The release of this fund will restore hope and revive trade in Singer Market,” a member of the delegation said.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the delegation comprised the President, Association of Kano Business Community Alhaji Sabiu Bako; Kano State Commissioner for Finance Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaraya; APC National Ex-Officio Hon. Muhammad Jamu Yusuf; Chairman Singer Market Barr. Junaidu Muhammad Zakari; and popular business tycoon Alhaji Kabiru Adamu Gano.

In his response, Senator Akume assured the delegation that their concerns had been duly noted.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting victims of the Singer Market fire and promised to expedite action on the release of the ₦5 billion intervention.

The Singer Market fire, which occurred in January 2026, destroyed hundreds of shops and goods worth billions of naira, leaving many traders indebted and out of business. (The Nation)